Conference Board outlines 12 success factors for workplace literacy programs

 OTTAWA, Feb. 2 /CNW Telbec/ - Individuals with low literacy skills have fewer options in the labour market and hinder the global competitiveness of their employers. Organizations can help their employees develop vital reading, writing and numeracy skills. In a new report, The Conference Board of Canada outlines 12 success factors for workplace literacy programs and highlights 10 Canadian organizations that have developed effective programs. "Workplace literacy programs are a key approach to enhancing employees' ability to succeed in their jobs, in their personal lives and in their communities," said Alison Campbell, Senior Research Associate. "The success factors demystify the intangible elements that go into developing and operating workplace literacy programs."
The Conference Board's 12 success factors are divided into five broad categories:

Precondition to Learning

1. Create a learning environment.

Program Strategy

2. Recognize literacy needs.
3. Plan before initiating.
4. Find adequate funding and support.
5. Make decision-making inclusive.

Program Operation

6. Design an effective curriculum.
7. Select the right instructor.
8. Use the best delivery mix.

Program Marketing

9. Market and sell the program.
10. Engage supervisors.
11. Encourage employee participation.

Program Evaluation

12. Evaluate programs realistically.

TORONTO, Feb. 13 /CNW/ - Canada is facing an imminent skills shortage as the Baby Boom generation prepares to exit the workforce. There have been reports, research studies and statistics that indicate a huge demographic shift is taking place in the workforce. Since 1964 there has been a decline in the birthrate that will create a shortage of younger candidates entering the labour market. People are living longer, they are healthier, and they want to continue working and being productive. The Mature Workforce is ready and willing to fill the looming skills shortage, but when was the last time someone in the 50+ age group was considered for a position in your company? Statistics Canada reports that workers over age 55 have contributed to one third of all labour force growth within the past seven years. They are on
the front edge of the largest, healthiest and best educated population to ever move through and beyond their fifties. There is no end in sight to this trend that reverses several decades of declining participation by this demographic. Research has shown that at least one third of Canadians want to continue working past the traditional retirement age. In order to stay competitive, and prevent the loss of the extensive experience of older workers, employers must
consider ways to appeal to their unique needs. In its 2002 General Social Survey, Statistics Canada cited a number of factors that could encourage retirees to remain on the job. One of these was flexible work schedules. In fact, 28 percent of recent retirees said they would have continued to work if they had been able to work part-time, making them ideal candidates for contract positions that are not traditionally nine to five roles.

OTTAWA, Feb. 13 /CNW Telbec/ - The Heart and Stroke Foundation's Annual Report on Canadians' Health reveals that the wave of Canadian Baby Boomers now turning 60 could be the first generation to turn back the clock and experience a decline in quality of life. Compared to 10 years ago, the rates of obesity in Boomers have soared by nearly 60%, a whopping 52% are inactive and yet 80% still think they will enjoy a longer life expectancy than previous generations. "This year, every day almost 1,000 Canadian Baby Boomers will turn 60, entering the prime age for heart disease and stroke," says Dr. Beth Abramson, Heart and Stroke Foundation spokesperson and cardiologist. "Rising obesity rates and inactivity among Boomers could threaten years of steady progress towards better heart health."
Despite sustained attention to the health impact of obesity, a recent Heart and Stroke Foundation survey showed that a shocking 58% of Boomers think their weight has little or no effect on their heart health.
Ten years ago in its first look at this post-war population, the Foundation's first Report on Boomers revealed their heart health was showing